The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-08-20

white settlements: while the abund-
ance of fish procurable at all sc asons
supplied them with food for any length
of time.
There are 267 islands In the lake, one
of over 1000 acres, two of over 500
acres, and seven containing between 100
and 500 acres. The largest, Long Is
land, has quite settlement on it. Sew
eral others once had farm-houses and
families. On one is fine windmill
tower, conspicuous landmark. On
many of them, both large and small
cottages are now being built, and sum-
mer visitors are fast multiplying. One
Of the attractive features af these is
lands is the vast quantities of berries
found on them; blueberries of all vari-
cites and huckleberries are found in
unlimited quantities. In the middle of
the lake is group of islands known as
1.-THE Fortress" narrow and crooked
channels separate these, the best trout
lodges surround them, while they pro-
duce berries of marvellous size. The
cluster of isles called 1.-THE Beavers"
not far from Center Harbor, are separ-
ated by a channel third Of mile in
length, and literally as deep as wide.
Last summer a party in which were
two Connecticut valley ministers and a
Concord, On. H. artist, spent week
with steam-launch on these waters
and while the launch explored the
channel of 1.-THE Beavers" party were
nearly lost in wonder and admiration
while feasting on the buckle and blue
berries which were found on them.
Another feature peculiar here is the
horseboat; these are found occasionally
as ferry boats, tread-mill propelling
the paddle-wheels. They are, however,
disappearing before the increase of
steam-power, and launches of every
variety are multiplying on Winnipiseo-
gee. But an odd thing in the steamer
line is a large scow with engine and
propeller used for transporting cattle
and products to and from the islands.
And the ingenious owner built the
whole himself, including three cylinders
for the engine to prevent catching on
the CENTER" and toggle in the propeller
shaft by which it may be steered. His
name is Solomon, but he is true Yam
kee, and his craft a complete success
for its designed purpose. But the most
attractive and unique feature is the
house boat, which is nice convenient
cottage of two rooms built on big
scow. A steam-pipe iron railing pro-
tects the outer edge and allows pas
sage-way completely around the house,
and at either end is quite an open deck.
1t can be towed to any part of the lake,
and the party accompanying it can
change location and secure variety of
scenery and fishing grounds at pleasure.
Fish and swimming fowl are found in
great abundance, and "The shy loon
sounds his trumpet-note" on every side;
but expert indeed is the shooting man
who can secure one.
Among the resorts about the lake is
"the Weirs," with several good hotels,
one on the hill having the pretty Indian
name of Winnecoette, meaning ''the
beautiful place of pines,' and there is
now in the rear of the house grove of
majestic white pines. Another resort
is Center Harbor with good hotels and
boarding-houses, place quiet enough for
Rip Van Wrinkle. Another is Ossipee
Mountain Park, which is an estate 800
feet above, and overlooking the lake,
and opened to select few, mostly slit
erary fellers." 1t has been laid out
with great taste and is charming
place. Space forbids speaking of the
various islands, with their history and
traditions, such as Aunt Dolly's point
of Bear island, Rebecca's Garden, Horse,
Cow, Witch, Rattlesnake and other
islands; or of Steamboat island, on
which the Belknap, the first steamer on
the lake, was wrecked. The writer's
party came near having the same expe-
rience at that spot. In word, Win
nipiseogee is the most attractive lake
in New England, and is easy to reach.